TB Homepage News

TB Homepage News

Now that the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center is in the rearview mirror, as well as another Winter Meetings, Rays' front office must try and complete the puzzle for next season's team, particularly in the aftermath of Boston's acquisition of Chris Sale.

The Rays have not been a team to make headlines at the Winter Meetings. However, they did grab the spotlight when news broke Tuesday night that they had agreed to terms with catcher Wilson Ramos on a two-year deal. Meanwhile, the club continued to field offers from teams hoping to deep into its deep pool of starters.

While the baseball world awaits the official announcement that the Rays have signed free-agent catcher Wilson Ramos to a two-year contract -- pending his passing a physical -- the club remains mum on the deal. That situation put manager Kevin Cash in an awkward situation Wednesday during his early-morning media session.

With the World Baseball Classic just a few months away, the rosters are beginning to take shape. More names surfaced Monday as the World Baseball Classic released an initial list of 30 players, spanning 16 countries, who are confirmed to be participating in this year's tournament.

Ask Kevin Cash what advice he'd give someone who's about to take over a Major League team and who's never managed at any level, and there's little hesitation. "Prepare yourself for the unexpected," Cash said, followed by a chuckle.

The Arizona Fall League announced it's official Top Prospects Team on Monday. Selected by Fall League managers and coaches, the team recognizes 24 players who distinguished themselves throughout the league's six-week schedule against other top prospects from every organization in Major League Baseball.

The Arizona Fall League always is loaded with talent, and it was stronger than usual in 2016. In the initial installment of MLBPipeline.com's "The Next Big Leaguers," which premieres Tuesday, we focused on five prospects: Dodgers first baseman Cody Bellinger, Twins shortstop Nick Gordon, Cubs outfielder Eloy Jimenez, Red Sox infielder Yoan Moncada and Yankees shortstop Gleyber Torres.

Rays outfielder Mikie Mahtook appreciates having a platform to make a difference. That has allowed him to address a cause that is dear to him because of family circumstances. Mahtook's father, Mikie, died of cardiomyopathy at age 32, when Mikie was only 4 years old.

The Rays announced their 2017 Spring Training schedule, with the first workout for pitchers and catchers set for Feb. 14. The first full-squad workout will be on Feb. 19, and the team's first game is set for Feb. 24 on the road against the Twins.